Cerro de la Estrella National Park is a popular park offering a quiet reprieve from the hustle and bustle and a fascinating look at the city's past. The archaeological ruin alone draws in all sorts of visitors to this site, but you'll find outdoor recreation in abundance, too.
You can bring the whole family to this park, as there's plenty to do for adults and kids alike. A satisfying hike to impressive viewpoints tends to be enough for those who aren't even interested in the ruin. Most visitors stay for about 2 or 3 hours.
Cerro de la Estrella National Park in Mexico City - one of the highlights of 10 Best Outdoor Adventures in and Around Mexico City and 10 Best Archaeological Sites around Mexico City (Read all about Mexico City here)
photo by Secretaría de Cultura de la Ciudad de México (CC BY 2.0) modified
What are the highlights of Cerro de la Estrella National Park in Mexico City?
The central feature of Cerro de la Estrella National Park is the archaeological site. It contains remnants of a temple believed to have been built sometime between 100 and 650 CE. The design style suggests heavy Teotihuacan influence, and this is further confirmed by the housing zone ruins, which date from the late classic period.
Aside from the ruins, you can also explore numerous hiking and biking trails throughout the park that are well-maintained and flanked by vibrant green trees. Be sure to stop by some of the lookout points to gaze upon the expansive cityscape below. Small caves are also prominent throughout the park.
photo by Thayne Tuason (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
What else is good to know about Cerro de la Estrella National Park in Mexico City?
Whether you're visiting Cerro de la Estrella National Park for the archaeology or the geology, there are some factors to keep in mind. Much of the park's valuable areas, like caves and trails, have been damaged over the years by careless travellers, so be extra mindful of your surroundings.
Visiting this park puts you close to several other attractions you may be interested in. It's located a few miles southeast of the historic centre of town, but you can get to the Centro Historico de Iztapalapa just a short distance north of the park. Meanwhile, Cienega Grande Lenin is about a mile south.
photo by Thayne Tuason (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
Cerro de la Estrella National Park in Mexico City
Location: Carretera Escenica al Cerro de la Estrella, Amp Veracruzana, 09856 Ciudad de México, Mexico
Open: Daily from 5 am to 7 pm
Phone: +52 80 0008 9090
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